Wagering Game Having a Simulated World-Building Feature for Payoffs

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a gaming terminal and a method of playing at the gaming terminal. The gaming terminal has a basic wagering game and a bonus game. The bonus game simulates the building of a world and provides bonus awards based on an accumulation of assets by the simulated world. In response to a player terminating a gaming session, the accumulated assets are selectively stored by the player in a memory device and can be used in subsequent gaming sessions. Additionally, the player can choose to save the status of the gaming session and return at a later time to the same status as the first gaming session.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to gaming terminals and, moreparticularly, to a gaming terminal having a simulated world-buildinggame whereby assets associated with the simulated world can beaccumulated and saved at the gaming terminal and can be restored at asubsequent gaming session.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Gaming machines, such as slot machines, video poker machines, and thelike, have been a cornerstone of the gaming industry for several years.Generally, the popularity of such machines with players is dependent onthe likelihood (or perceived likelihood) of winning money at the machineand the intrinsic entertainment value of the machine relative to otheravailable gaming options. Where the available gaming options include anumber of competing machines and the expectation of winning each machineis roughly the same (or believed to be the same), players are mostlikely to be attracted to the most entertaining and exciting of themachines.

Consequently, shrewd operators strive to employ the most entertainingand exciting machines available because such machines attract frequentplay and, hence, increase profitability to the operator. In thecompetitive gaming machine industry, there is a continuing need forgaming machine manufacturers to produce new types of games, orenhancements to existing games, which will attract frequent play byenhancing the entertainment value and excitement associated with thegame.

One concept that has been successfully employed to enhance theentertainment value of a game is that of a “bonus” game which may beplayed in conjunction with a “basic” game. The bonus game may compriseany type of game, either similar to or completely different from thebasic game, and is entered upon the occurrence of a selected event oroutcome of the basic game. Such a bonus game produces a significantlyhigher level of player excitement than the basic game because itprovides a greater expectation of winning than the basic game.

Another concept that has been employed is the use of a progressivejackpot. In the gaming industry, a “progressive” involves collectingcoin-in data from participating gaming device(s) (e.g. slot machines),contributing a percentage of that coin-in data to a jackpot amount, andawarding that jackpot amount to a player upon the occurrence of acertain jackpot-won event. The percentage of the coin-in is determinedprior to any result being achieved and is independent of any result. Ajackpot-won event typically occurs when a “progressive winning position”is achieved at a participating gaming device. If the gaming device is aslot machine, a progressive winning position may, for example,correspond to alignment of progressive jackpot reel symbols along acertain payline. The initial progressive jackpot is a predeterminedminimum amount. That jackpot amount, however, progressively increases asplayers continue to play the gaming machine without winning the jackpot.Further, when several gaming machines are linked together such thatseveral players at several gaming machines compete for the same jackpot,the jackpot progressively increases at a much faster rate, which leadsto further player excitement.

In current basic games, bonus games, and progressive games, the playeris provided with little incentive to return to the game at a later time.Once the player chooses to stop playing the game in that round, theplayer is immediately awarded any credits that are remaining and alsoloses assets that have been accumulated, but not yet awarded. Forexample, in some games, the bonus game consists of the player collectingassets and when a certain number or combination of assets isaccumulated, the player wins an award. However, should the player chooseto leave the game prior to winning the award, the player loses all ofthe assets accumulated. This can cause player frustration and does notprovide the player with any incentive to return to the game.

Such a system also encourages “vulturing,” in which the “vulturing”player waits for a person who is close to winning an award to leave thegaming machine prior to the winning of the award. The “vulturing” playerthen begins to play the machine, and may quickly win the award withoutinvesting much time into the game. This is also frustrating for otherplayers.

Thus, there is a need to allow a player to accumulate assets on gamingterminals and to have those assets restored to them should the playerreturn to the game at a later time. This way, should a player choose toleave a game, anything the player has accumulated during the game goeswith them and is restored at a later time when the player returns to thegame. This alleviates the player frustration at losing assets that theyhave accumulated and also provides the player with an incentive toreturn to the game at a later date.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the needsmentioned above are met by a gaming terminal having a basic wageringgame and a bonus game. In this embodiment, the basic wagering gameincludes a plurality of symbols that indicate a randomly selectedoutcome of the wagering game. The bonus game simulates the operation ofa world and provides bonus awards based on an accumulation of assetsassociated with the simulated world. In response to a player terminatinga gaming session, the accumulated assets are selectively stored by theplayer in a memory device and can be used in subsequent gaming sessions.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a method of playing awagering game is disclosed. The method includes a basic game and a bonusgame played at a gaming terminal. A bonus-game outcome is achieved inthe basic game. The bonus game simulates an operation of a world andprovides a bonus award based on assets associated with the simulatedworld. Upon receiving a first bonus-game outcome, a player accumulatesat least one of the assets. Upon receiving a second bonus-game outcome,a player can exchange one or more assets for a payout. In response toreceiving inputs from a player prior to completing a gaining session,the status of the bonus game and the accumulated assets can be saved ina memory device. The player can then restore the status of the gamingsession and the accumulated assets at a later gaming session.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a gaming terminal forplaying a wagering game includes a display and a controller. The displaydisplays a wagering game having a plurality of symbols that indicate arandomly selected outcome of the wagering game. A controller is coupledto the display. The controller operates to simulate the building of aworld, and to provide a bonus award that is based on an accumulation ofassets associated with the simulated world. The controller also operatesto allow a player to store accumulated assets in a memory device for usein a subsequent gaming session.

The above summary of the present invention is not intended to representeach embodiment or every aspect of the present invention. The detaileddescription and Figures will describe many of the embodiments andaspects of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will become apparentupon reading the following detailed description and upon reference tothe drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a video gaming terminal according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the gaming terminal of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3 a and 3 b illustrate the main and secondary displays of a gamingterminal of FIG. 1 displaying a wagering game with a winning outcome.

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b illustrate the main and secondary displays of a gamingterminal of FIG. 1 displaying a wagering game.

FIGS. 5 a and 5 b illustrate the main and secondary displays of a gamingterminal of FIG. 1 displaying a wagering game whereby a player has savedaccumulated assets.

FIGS. 6 a and 6 b illustrate the main and secondary displays of a gamingterminal of FIG. 1 displaying a wagering game.

FIGS. 7 a and 7 b illustrate the main and secondary displays of a gamingterminal of FIG. 1 displaying a wagering game with a winning outcome.

FIG. 8 illustrates the main display of a gaming terminal of FIG. 1displaying a wagering game.

FIG. 9 illustrates the main display of a gaming terminal of FIG. 1displaying a bonus game.

FIG. 10 illustrates the main display of a gaming terminal of FIG. 1displaying a bonus game with player selectable options.

FIGS. 11 aa and 11 b illustrate the main and secondary display of agaming terminal of FIG. 1 displaying a wagering game.

FIGS. 12 a and 12 b illustrate the main and secondary display of agaming terminal of FIG. 1 displaying a wagering game with a winningoutcome.

FIGS. 13 a and 13 b illustrate the main and secondary display of agaming terminal of FIG. 1 displaying a wagering game whereby a playerhas saved accumulated assets.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way ofexample in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. Itshould be understood, however, that the invention is not intended to belimited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is tocover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling withinthe spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed to a gaming terminal and a method ofplaying a wagering game. The wagering game may include a basic game anda bonus game that includes building a simulated world. Generally, asimulated world includes a physical setting and one or more inhabitants.The inhabitants may be life forms, machines, or objects. The inhabitantsinteract with their setting (i.e., digging tunnels, pumping oil) and/orwith the other inhabitants. These interactions may lead to favorableoutcomes for a player. The more time a player spends playing thewagering game and building a simulated world, the greater the number ofinhabitants and interactions that can occur, and the more chances ofgetting such favorable outcomes. The occurrences of many or all of theinteractions are controlled by a processor or controller that performsrandom selections, allowing the simulated world to be conducted as partof a wagering game.

In one embodiment, the simulated world may be a business enterprise. Thebusiness enterprise can take many different forms. For example, abusiness enterprise may include a ranch, a farm, an oil drillingbusiness, or a gold mine, as will be shown in the figures discussedbelow. These enterprises have assets that may be accumulated by a playerwho can exchange the assets for an award, i.e., credits, or save theassets for use in a future gaming session. The present inventioncontemplates using many different types of business enterprises withassociated assets. Several examples are described in more detail in thefollowing paragraphs, however the present invention is not limited tothe examples given here.

A simulated world may also take the form of a non-business enterprise.Such non-business enterprises may include, as examples, an aquarium thatgradually gains more fish, a space ship that travels to different worldsand encounters aliens, a board game having increasingly-valuedproperties, and a conquering warrior that collects valuable materials.These simulated worlds also have assets associated with them. Thepresent invention contemplates using may different types of non-businessenterprises with associated assets, examples of which are, given in moredetail below. The examples are not meant, however, to limit the scope ofthe present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a typical gaming terminal 10 used bygaming establishments, such as casinos. With regard to the presentinvention, the gaming terminal 10 may be any type of gaming terminal andmay have varying structures and methods of operation. For example, thegaming terminal 10 may be a mechanical gaming terminal configured toplay mechanical slots, or it may be an electromechanical or electricalgaming terminal configured to play video slots or a video casino game,such as blackjack, slots, keno, poker, etc.

As shown, the gaming terminal 10 includes input devices, such as a wageracceptor 16 (shown as a card wager acceptor 16 a and a cash wageraccepter 16 b), a touch screen 21, a push-button panel 22, and aninformation reader 24. For outputs, the gaming terminal 10 includes apayout mechanism 23, a main display 26 for displaying information aboutthe basic wagering game, and a secondary display 27 that may display anelectronic version of a pay table, and/or also possibly game-relatedinformation or other entertainment features. While these typicalcomponents found in the gaming terminal 10 are described below, itshould be understood that numerous other elements may exist and may beused in any number of combinations to create various forms of a gamingterminal.

The wager acceptor 16 may be provided in many forms, individually or incombination. The cash wager acceptor 16 a may include a coin slotacceptor or a note acceptor to input value to the gaming terminal 10.The card wager acceptor 16 b may include a card-reading device forreading a card that has a recorded monetary value with which it isassociated. The card wager acceptor 16 b may also receive a card thatauthorizes access to a central account, which can transfer money to thegaming terminal 10.

Also included is the payout mechanism 23, which performs the reversefunctions of the wager acceptor. For example, the payout mechanism 23may include a coin dispenser or a note dispenser to output value fromgaming terminal 10. Also, the payout mechanism 23 may also be adapted toreceive a card that authorizes the gaming terminal to transfer creditsfrom the gaming terminal 10 to a central account.

The push button panel 22 is typically offered, in addition to the touchscreen 21, to provide players with an option on how to make their gameselections. Alternatively, the push button panel 22 provides inputs forone aspect of operating the game, while the touch screen 21 allows forinputs needed for another aspect of operating the game.

The outcome of the basic wagering game is displayed to the player on themain display 26. The main display 26 may take the form of a cathode raytube (CRT), a high resolution LCD, a plasma display, LED, or any othertype of video display suitable for use in the gaming terminal 10. Asshown, the main display 26 includes the touch screen 21 overlaying theentire monitor (or a portion thereof) to allow players to makegame-related selections. Alternatively, the gaming terminal 10 may havea number of mechanical reels to display the game outcome, as well.

In some embodiments, the information reader 24 is a card reader thatallows for identification of a player by reading a card with informationindicating his or her true identity. Currently, identification is usedby casinos for rewarding certain players with complimentary services orspecial offers. For example, a player may be enrolled in the gamingestablishment's players' club and may be awarded certain complimentaryservices as that player collects points in his or her player-trackingaccount. The player inserts his or her card into theplayer-identification card reader 24, which allows the casino'scomputers to register that player's wagering at the gaming terminal 10.The information reader 24 may also include a keypad (not shown) forentering a personal identification number (PIN). The gaming terminal 10may require that the player enter their PIN prior to obtaininginformation. The gaming terminal 10 may use the secondary display 27 forproviding the player with information about his or her account or otherplayer-specific information. Also, in some embodiments, the informationreader 24 may be used to restore assets that the player achieved duringa previous game session and had saved.

As shown in FIG. 2, the various components of the gaming terminal 10 arecontrolled by a central processing unit (CPU) 30 (such as amicroprocessor or microcontroller). To provide the gaming functions, theCPU 30 executes a game program that allows for the randomly selectedoutcome. The CPU 30 is also coupled to or includes a local memory 32.The local memory 32 may comprise a volatile memory 33 (e.g., arandom-access memory (RAM)) and a non-volatile memory 34 (e.g., anEEPROM). It should be appreciated that the CPU 30 may include one ormore microprocessors. Similarly, the local memory 32 may includemultiple RAM and multiple program memories.

Communications between the peripheral components of the gaming terminal10 and the CPU 30 occur through input/output (I/O) circuits 35 a. Assuch, the CPU 30 also controls and receives inputs from the peripheralcomponents of the gaming terminal 10. Further, the CPU 30 communicateswith external systems via the I/O circuits 35 b. Although the I/Ocircuits 35 may be shown as a single block, it should be appreciatedthat the I/O circuits 35 may include a number of different types of I/Ocircuits.

In some embodiments, the CPU 30 may not be inside the gaming terminal10. Instead, the CPU 30 may be part of a game network 50 (FIG. 2) andmay be used to control numerous gaming terminals 10. In theseembodiments, the CPU 30 will run the basic games for each of the gamingterminals 10, and may also be used to link the gaming terminals 10together. The game network 50 can include progressive jackpots that arecontributed to by all or some of the gaming terminals 10 in the network(e.g., terminal-level jackpots that only each terminal 10 contributesto, bank-level jackpots that are contributed to by all of the terminals10 in a particular bank, and wide-area jackpots that are contributed toby a larger number of terminals 10, such as multiple banks).Alternatively, the game network 50 can allow the player to retrieveassets obtained while playing one terminal 10 at a different gamingterminal that is also part of the game network. Assets may be any numberof things, including, but not limited to, monetary or non-monetaryawards, features that a player builds up in a bonus or progressive gameto win awards, etc.

In some embodiments, the CPU 30 is also used with the information reader24 to restore saved assets. For example, in one embodiment, theinformation reader 24 is adapted to receive and distribute tickets. Thetickets each include a unique identifier. The unique identifier linksthe ticket to a file contained within the local memory 32 or a systemmemory 52 located in the game network 50. The file includes the assetsthat are being stored from a previous game. Monetary awards include gamecredits or money, while the non-monetary awards can be free plays (e.g.,free spins), multipliers, or access to bonus and/or progressive games.

When a player inserts a ticket into the information reader 24, the CPU30 obtains the unique identifier and causes the appropriate memory 32,52 to be searched, and the file containing the unique identifiermatching the identifier on the ticket is retrieved. Any assets or otherinformation contained in this file are then transmitted to the gamingterminal 10, and the player regains any assets that were saved during aprevious game. This allows the player to keep assets even after aparticular gaming session ends, which increases player commitment to agame and decreases vulturing (and possibly even ends it).

In other embodiments, the information reader 24 may include a cardreader, and the unique identifier provided at the gaming terminal 10 maybe stored on a personal identification card, such as one describedabove. Or, the gaming terminal 10 includes a radio frequencyidentification device (RFID) transceiver or receiver so that an RFIDtransponder held by the player can be used to provide the uniqueidentifier of the player at the gaming terminal 10 without the need toinsert a card into the gaming terminal 10. RFD components can be thoseavailable from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (under the UnitedStates Department of Energy) of Richland, Wash.

In other embodiments, the information reader 24 may include a biometricreader, such as a finger, hand, or retina scanner, and the uniqueidentifier may be the scanned biometric information. Additionalinformation regarding biometric scanning, such as fingerprint scanningor hand geometry scanning, is available from International BiometricGroup LLC of New York, N.Y. Other biometric identification techniquescan be used as well for providing a unique identifier of the player. Forexample, a microphone can be used in a biometric identification deviceon the gaming terminal so that the player can be recognized using avoice recognition system.

In other embodiments, the player may simply have to enter in a uniqueidentification code and password into the gaming terminal 10. In theseembodiments, the player would not have to insert a physical object (suchas a card or ticket) into the gaming terminal, but would instead use theinformation reader 24 as an input device, such as a keyboard.

In summary, there are many techniques in which to provide a uniqueidentifier for the player so that the assets accumulated by the playerduring one wagering session can be stored in either the system memory 52or local memory 32, thereby allowing the player to subsequently accessthose assets at the same gaming terminal 10 or a different gamingterminal within the network 50. As described below with reference toFIGS. 3 to 13, various assets related to the wagering game features andformats can be stored after one gaming session and used in a subsequentgaming session(s) to enhance the gaming experience for the player.

The main display 26 of one embodiment of the present invention is shownin more detail in FIG. 3 b. In this embodiment, the basic wagering gameis a slot machine game, with symbols on five different reels 36, 38, 40,42, 44. The reels 36-44 may be either traditional mechanical reels orthey may be computer-generated images of reels, with each reel composedof a plurality of symbols. The payline indicators 46 indicate a randomlyselected outcome for each payline, which is the combination of symbolson the reels 3644. Thereafter, an outcome indicator 48 indicates whetherthe outcome has resulted in a winning outcome or a non-winning outcome.While multiple paylines are shown, a gaming terminal 10 with a singlepayline will also work with the present invention.

A bonus game can be achieved by a bonus-game outcome in the basicwagering game. The bonus game may be similar to or completely differentfrom the basic wagering game. As will be discussed in more detail below,the bonus game simulates the building of a world. A player receives abonus award in the bonus game based on the accumulation of assetsassociated with the simulated world. The accumulation of assets can beaffected by the randomly selected outcome of the basic wagering game. Aplayer can also be allowed to exchange one or all of the accumulatedassets for a payout. After a player decides to terminate play at thegaming terminal, the accumulated assets not exchanged by the player canbe stored by the player in the local memory 32 or system memory 52,depending on the architecture and operation of the overall gamingsystem. The accumulated assets can then be restored for use in asubsequent gaming session by the player.

A player may also be allowed to save the status of a bonus game (or abasic wagering game) prior to completing a gaming session. In this case,after a player returns for a subsequent gaming session, the gamingterminal can receive an input from the returning player to start thewagering game at the same point as the status of the earlier gamingsession. The subsequent gaming session may be played at the same or adifferent gaming terminal as the first gaming session.

The main display 26 shown in FIG. 3 b further illustrates a basicwagering game with a ranch theme (i.e., a “Virtual Ranch”) having arandomly selected outcome that is a winning outcome. The simulated worldthat is displayed on the secondary display 27 (FIG. 3 a) in this exampleis a ranch where the player collects cows and bulls. In this particularembodiment, a combination of three bulls along an active payline 46constitutes a winning outcome. The player is awarded another bull 50 inhis or her ongoing bonus game, which is a herd of cattle displayed inthe secondary display 27. A winning outcome can also include acombination of three cow symbols along any payline. Upon receiving thiswinning outcome, a player would receive a cow for the herd. For everygame that is played where the player has at least one bull and at leastone cow in the herd, there is a chance that a bull and a cow will pairoff and make another cow that will be added to the herd. The award of acow or a bull can require some specific type of outcome on the reels36-44, or can be an entirely random event. Thus, the number of cows andbulls displayed in the secondary display 27 increases as the playercontinues to play, as illustrated in FIG. 4 a.

As shown in FIG. 5 a, a player may get a combination of symbols thattriggers a character to appear that offers the player a monetary ornon-monetary award for the herd that the player has accumulated thusfar. The player can either accept the offer and obtain the award orreject the offer and allow the herd to continue to grow. For example, inFIG. 5 a, the character offers the player 100 credits for the herd. Theplayer must then make a decision of whether to take the 100 credits orcontinue with the herd he has accumulated. The appearance of thecharacter may also occur randomly, without a triggering combination ofsymbols, as in a mystery pay.

Finally, a player is given the option of saving the herd of accumulatedcows and bulls, as shown in FIG. 5 b, for a future gaming session. Theplayer will then be allowed to store these assets to be collected orused in a future gaming session. For example, the player can save hisherd containing one bull and four cows and be able to retrieve them at alater time. The herd can be considered an asset that is saved in a localmemory 32 or system memory 52 (or on a card, ticket, etc) for use by theplayer in subsequent gaming session.

FIGS. 6-13 illustrate other variations on games played at gamingterminals 10 that give players an option to accumulate assets of asimulated world. For example, FIG. 6 b shows a wagering game with a maindisplay 126 having symbols on three reels, one of which is an oilderrick 160, and presenting on oil drilling theme (the “Virtual OilBaron”). Above the main display 126 in FIG. 6 a is a secondary display127 which contains an array of oil derricks 160, each of which has acorresponding player-selectable option 162. Every time an oil derrick160 symbol appears on an active payline of the reels, one of the oilderricks 60 shown in the secondary display 127 is awarded to the player.The player is allowed to choose an oil derrick from the array ofderricks using the player-selectable option 162 located adjacent to theoil derrick 160.

As shown in FIGS. 7 a and 7 b, when a player obtains three gushersymbols on the reels, the “gusher bonus” 164 is started. Some or all ofthe oil derricks 160 contained in the secondary display 127 begin togush oil. If one of more oil derricks 160 that is gushing oil is onethat was previously selected by the player, the player receives theaward associated with the gushing derrick 160. In the illustratedexample, the player “owns” the oil derrick in the lower right corner,and the player receives 500 credits. In one embodiment, all oil derricks160 that had no oil gush, but were “owned” by the player are retained bythe player for the next gusher bonus. When the player ends the gamingsession, the player is given the option of saving the oil derricks 160contained in the secondary display 127. The player will then be allowedto store these assets to be collected or used in a future gamingsession.

FIG. 8 shows a main display 226 of a wagering game having symbols onfive different reels with a farm theme (the “Virtual Corn Crop”). Abovethe reels are a number of open fields 280. After commencing play, aplayer may achieve a combination of symbols that triggers a “farmbonus,” as shown in FIG. 9. The “farm bonus” is displayed on the maindisplay 226, and presents the player with a plurality of seed packets282. At this time, the player is allowed to select one or more of theseed packets 282. Some of the seed packets 282 are associated with anaward of credits, while other seed packets 282 are associated with seedsthat are planted in the open fields 280. For example, in FIG. 9, theplayer has been allowed to select three seed packets 282. One of theseed packets 282 a is associated with an award of 15 credits, while twopackets 282 b are associated with corn seeds. As such, the player isawarded 15 credits and two of the open fields 282 are filled with corn284.

At the end of the bonus game, the player is offered a prize in exchangefor the corn. As shown in FIG. 10, the player is offered 200 credits fortwo cornfields. Alternatively, the player can choose to keep the cornand plant extra fields. If the player fills more open fields 280, theaward is progressively larger (e.g., 75 credits for one open field 280;200 credits for two open fields 280; 350 credits for three open fields280; and 550 credits for four open fields 280) If the player declines,the player returns to the basic game and continues to play it, with thehope of triggering another bonus game during which he or she may selecta packet 282 that fills the third field. Of course, variations in thegame could exist such that certain seed packets 282 are a “drought”outcome that could destroy one or more corn fields 284. Or, the playermay be only allowed to hold his or her corn fields for a certain lengthof time before there is a forced “harvest,” which could pay less thanthe normal bonus award per corn field 284.

At the end of the gaming session, the player may save any corn fields284 for a subsequent gaming session during which he or she may trigger abonus game in the basic game and hopefully fill the remaining openfields 280. As such these corn fields can be thought of as assets thatare accumulated over a period of time.

Another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 11 a and11 b (the “Virtual Gold Mine”), includes a main display 326 of awagering game containing different symbols on five reels. A secondarydisplay 327 contains a miner 390 in the center of an earthen mine.Surrounding the miner 390 at different distances are gold nuggets 392that are associated with bonus values. While the values of the nuggets392 are shown as being equal, the values can be different as well.

After the player achieves a pick symbol 394 on one or more of the reels,the miner 390 digs out one space in a random, or symbol determined,direction, as shown in FIG. 12 a. For a symbol-driven direction, thepick symbol 394 may have an arrow on it, or a player-selectable arraycould be provided in which the player selects one element which revealsthe direction of the next pick movement. If the miner reaches a nugget392, the value of the nugget 392 is awarded to the player. After theplayer leaves the game, the mine that has been dug can be saved and usedin future gaming sessions. For example, the player received 500 creditsand saved the mine as depicted in FIGS. 13 a and 13 b. Players may bemotivated to save the mine for a subsequent gaming session if they arevery close to a nugget 394 or a group of nuggets 394. Furthermore, thegame could be configured to allow the play (e.g. the 500 credits), suchthat he or she can obtain that award automatically at a subsequentgaming session.

In addition to the simulated worlds described above, other simulatedworlds having various assets relating to the simulated worlds can bestored after a gaming session and used in a subsequent gaming session.Examples of other enterprises whereby a player achieves simulatedworld-building outcomes in the wagering game and has the option ofsaving assets associated with the simulated world include: an aquariumwhere a player can accumulate various types of fish or ocean life asassets; a developer where assets include buildings that become tallerand wider; a cruise ship where a player accumulates new ports anddestinations; a space ship where assets can include different worlds andaliens, and a player can form alliances with the aliens; and a boardgame where a player accumulates properties that increase in value, andcan replace properties that have lower values with properties that havehigher values, as for example, in the game Monopoly®.

Other possible simulated worlds that are within the scope of theinvention can include an orchard where a player accumulates assets suchas trees that grow and produce fruit. In a wagering game, for example, aplayer may achieve an outcome that allows the player in a bonus game topick fruit that is associated with an award of credits. Alternatively,the player may be allowed to pick fruit that is associated with seedsthat can be planted to grow more trees that the player can accumulate.

Another example that is within the scope of the present invention is aninvestment group where a player can accumulate stocks, bonds, etc. Afterachieving a certain outcome in a basic wagering game, a player may beallowed to sell the investments that he or she has accumulated. A playermay also be given the option of increasing certain kinds of investmentsby exchanging one kind of investment for another. For example, a playermay decide to cash in all of his stocks for credits, or to exchange thestocks for other investment opportunities.

A further example includes a conquering warrior that accumulates goldand other treasures. In this embodiment, a player achieves outcomes inthe basic game that allows he or she to accumulate weapons, armies, andother things necessary to conquer a city. Once a player has accumulatedsuch assets, he or she may be eligible for a bonus game that allows theplayer to use the assets to conquer cities or civilizations andaccumulate gold, silver, and other valuable assets. At some point, theplayer is offered credits or alternatively, more weapons, for thesevaluable assets.

Another embodiment of the present invention may include a train yardcontaining boxcars. During play of the basic game, a player accumulatestrain engines. When a bonus outcome is achieved in the basic game, eachtrain engine that the player has accumulated hauls away one boxcar, andan award is revealed. The player is allowed to choose which boxcar istaken by each engine using a player-selectable option. Thus, theplayer's selection dictates the credits that are awarded. Along the way,the player may be given the option to save the status of the game andthe accumulated assets, i.e., train engines, to be restored in a futuregaming session. This is an example of where a player accumulates “picks”during the wagering game and uses these “picks” to selectplayer-selectable elements that influence the outcome of the wageringgame.

As with all of the above examples, the status of the game and any assetsthat a player has accumulated may be saved in a memory device andrestored by the player in a later gaming session. While the presentinvention has been described in terms of a bonus game where assets of asimulated world are accumulated and saved, the present invention alsoallows for such assets to be accumulated and saved in a basic game.

While the present invention has been described with reference to one ormore particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognizethat many changes may be made thereto without departing from the spiritand scope of the present invention. Each of these embodiments andobvious variations thereof is contemplated as falling within the spiritand scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the followingclaims.

1. A gaming terminal for playing a wagering game, comprising: a basicgame having a plurality of symbols that indicate a randomly selectedoutcome of said basic game in response to a wager input; a bonus gamesimulating the building of a world and providing a bonus award based onan accumulation of assets associated with said simulated world, saidrandomly selected outcome in said wagering game affecting saidaccumulation of assets; and wherein, in response to a termination of agaming session in which said basic game and said bonus game were played,said accumulation of assets being selectively stored by said player in amemory device for use in a subsequent gaming session by said player. 2.The gaming terminal of claim 1, wherein said simulated world is abusiness enterprise that is selected from the group consisting of aranch, an oil drilling business, a farm, a mine, an investment group, abuilding developer, a cruise ship and a train yard. 3-10. (canceled) 11.The gaming terminal of claim 1, wherein said simulated world is anon-business enterprise that is selected from the group consisting of anaquarium, a space ship, a board game, an orchard and a conqueringwarrior.
 12. (canceled)
 13. The gaming terminal of claim 1, wherein saidsimulated world includes a physical setting and one or more inhabitants,said bonus award based on interactions between said inhabitants. 14-16.(canceled)
 17. The gaming terminal of claim 1, wherein said bonus awardis progressively increased based on said accumulation of assets. 18.(canceled)
 19. The gaming terminal of claim 17, wherein said bonus awardis awarded based on a player selectable option.
 20. The gaming terminalof claim 1, wherein said bonus award is provided to the player in theform of an option to exchange said assets for a credit award.
 21. Thegaming terminal of claim 20, wherein said option to exchange said assetsis triggered by one of said randomly selected outcomes in said basicgame.
 22. The gaming terminal of claim 1, wherein said assets include afirst type of asset and a second type of asset.
 23. The gaming terminalof claim 22, wherein said assets can further be increased if said playeracquires said first type of asset and said second type of asset.
 24. Thegaming terminal of claim 1, wherein, in response to an asset-acquiringoutcome in said basic game, said player is permitted to select fromamong an array of assets.
 25. A method of playing a wagering game havinga basic game and a bonus game, comprising: conducting said basic game ata gaming terminal; achieving a bonus-game outcome in said basic game,said bonus game simulating the building of a world and providing a bonusaward based on assets associated with said simulated world; in responseto achieving a first one of said bonus-game outcomes, accumulating atleast one of said assets; in response to achieving a second one of saidbonus-game outcomes, allowing a player to exchange at least one of saidassets for a bonus award; receiving inputs from a player to save astatus of said bonus game with said acquired assets prior to a playercompleting a first gaming session; and in a subsequent gaming session,receiving inputs from a player to start said bonus game at a point thatis the same as said status for said first gaming session.
 26. The methodof claim 25, wherein said simulated world is a business enterprise thatis selected from the group consisting of a ranch, an oil-drillingbusiness, a farm, a mine, an investment group, a building developer, acruise ship, and a train yard. 27-34. (canceled)
 35. The method of claim25, wherein said simulated world is a non-business enterprise that isselected from the group consisting of an aquarium, a space ship, a boardgame, an orchard, and a conquering warrior.
 36. (canceled)
 37. Themethod of claim 25, wherein said simulated world includes a physicalsetting and one or more inhabitants, said bonus award based oninteractions between said inhabitants. 38-40. (canceled)
 41. The methodof claim 25, wherein providing said bonus award includes progressivelyincreasing said bonus award based on said accumulation of assets. 42.(canceled)
 43. The method of claim 41, wherein providing said bonusaward includes awarding said bonus award based on a player selectableoption.
 44. The method of claim 25, wherein providing said bonus awardincludes awarding an option to exchange said assets for a credit award.45. The method of claim 44, wherein said option to exchange said assetsis triggered by one of said randomly selected outcomes in said basicgame.
 46. The method of claim 25, wherein accumulating said assetsinclude accumulating a first type of asset and a second type of asset.47. The method of claim 46, wherein said accumulation of assets can beincreased by acquiring said first type of asset and said second type ofasset.
 48. The method of claim 25, wherein, in response to saidachieving of an asset-acquiring outcome in said basic game, permittingsaid player to select from among an array of assets.
 49. A method ofplaying a wagering game having a basic game and a bonus game,comprising: conducting said basic game at a gaming terminal; achieving abonus-game outcome in said basic game, said bonus game simulating thebuilding of a world and providing a bonus award based on assetsassociated with said simulated world; in response to achieving saidbonus-game outcome, accumulating a first set of assets; allowing saidplayer to save a status of said bonus game with said accumulated set ofassets in a first gaming session for use in a subsequent gaming session.50. The method of claim 49, further comprising the step of starting saidbonus game at a point that is the same as said status for said firstgaming session.
 51. The method of claim 49, further comprising the stepof accumulating a second set of assets in said bonus game in saidsubsequent gaming session.
 52. The method of claim 51, furthercomprising the step of awarding said bonus award based on said first andsaid second sets of assets. 53-56. (canceled)